The New York Giants are quickly heading toward their bye week after a week eight matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During the off-time, we can expect changes to be made regarding personnel and scheme adjustments.
However, with the November 3 trade deadline just a few days away, changes could develop even sooner. The offensive line has been the most problematic unit for the Giants through seven weeks, as their tackles rank last in the league in pass protection, and their interior line has also been tumultuous.
To give you an idea of just how poor they are, the Giants’ OL is currently allowing the highest team pressure rate at 43.4%, which is 8% more than any team. They have PFF’s two lowest graded offensive tackles, further indicating why general manager Dave Gettleman is not fit to continue rebuilding this team.
If Gettleman is retained for the 2021 season, we can expect more of the same as the offensive line continues to struggle and his draft picks further complicate things. While his player evaluations have been skeptical at best, his decision making and process toward the rebuild has hurt their draft strategies and youth influx.
Now, with several young linemen on the roster, the Giants are in a position to rebuild in the trenches truly. If they don’t provide reps to rookie guard Shane Lemieux and tackle Matt Peart during the week eight contest against Tampa Bay, they should make the decision after the bye week to begin implementing them full-time.
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Considering the Giants are about to be 1-7 on the season, trading guard Kevin Zeitler for draft capital makes justifiable sense. This would allow them to insert Lemieux directly into the lineup and Peart at right tackle, moving Cam Fleming to the bench.
The Giants want to start getting Shane Lemieux some game snaps, says Marc colombo.
— Big Blue View (@bigblueview) October 28, 2020
The New York Giants are preparing to make changes:
On Wednesday, Marc Colombo suggested that Lemieux would begin earning reps with the starting team. The primary issue that held him back from live-action was his footwork, which connected to his overaggressive mentality.
Lemieux is keen on being a brawler in the trenches, as he brings that mean streak you want in your OL. The issue, his over aggressiveness can get him into trouble, allowing defenders to take advantage of his lack of discipline.
Depending on what the Giants do at the deadline, if they are sellers or buyers, the fate of the offensive line hangs in the balance. I believe that Shane will continue to get more reps as the season progresses, and the trenches will be changing regularly as the scope of the year fluctuates.